It’s Spring Break in Arkansas and that means one thing.
Family Vacation!!!
Normally, we take a nice Caribbean Cruise each Spring Break, but not this year. The cruises always get back in port on Sunday so we don’t get to go to church that day. This year, however, is Easter Sunday and we just can’t bring ourselves to miss that day. Just something about the day that commemorates the most significant event in all history and all that.
So, this year we are going to be land lubbers and head east to the Gateway to the Great Smokey Mountains
It’s a pretty touristy place, which is okay since we really like being tourists. Good food, good shows, pretty sights. What else could one ask for?
What are our plans? Well, we pull out of home Saturday morning for drive East. In one of the absolute highlights of this trip, enroute we are going to stop in Chatanooga and see my blogging Brother Anthony Baker From the Recovering Legalist.
After church at his place Sunday morning and most likely Cracker Barrel, we will head to Gatlinburg.
We are going to do lot’s of touristy things there, for sure.
We will see the Dixie Stampede. Seen this in Branson, and it’s about the best meal and show combo around
What trip to The Smokeys would be complete without a trip to Dollywood?
Of course, we have to see Ober Gatlinburg, the Smokey Mountains only ski resort. Probably won’t be snow on Spring Break, but who cares?
In between the scheduled sites, we will just do the regular vacation stuff like eat, hang out and relax.
To further ensure my relaxation, I won’t be writing next week. I will read and stay in contact with my blogging friends, but no writing. My brain and my body need a break. Although I might need a fix and post some pictures and travel notes. Nothing deep or heavy. Oh, did I mention I am starting right at this moment?
Hasta la Vista Baby!!!!!!
March 17, 2016 at 20:38
Travel mercies. We love Gatlinburg and hope to get back there ourselves someday.
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March 17, 2016 at 20:43
It’s probably been 40 years since I have been there; I was just a kid. Thanks brother.
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March 17, 2016 at 20:40
Ha! Now who’s going to help me with my envy issues??! Ah, but God knows in advance what’s going to ail me, so with perfect timing he has delivered tickets to the Wizard of Oz. It’s not spring break, but it is a great consolation prize. 😉
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March 17, 2016 at 20:45
Oh, that sounds pretty fun to me. Gosh, I bet I have watched that movie a hundred times over the years, and love it each and every time. Judy Garland singing Over the Rainbow is just amazing.
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March 17, 2016 at 21:45
Gatlinburg is definitely a tourist trap, but it’s in a beautiful part of the country. Enjoy! 🙂
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March 18, 2016 at 06:39
It is one, but we know that, so it’s all good. I went there once when I was a kid, so it’s been 4o years. It’s grown a lot since then.
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March 18, 2016 at 01:50
Enjoy your vacation!
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March 18, 2016 at 06:37
Thanks Brother Jim
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March 18, 2016 at 05:50
Have a nice vacation, Wally!
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March 18, 2016 at 06:37
Thanks Tom
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March 18, 2016 at 07:13
I have two blogging friends that I have met IRL. One is Sara, who travelled from NYC to visit us in our home a few years back (i think you have interacted with her on my blog). I travelled to NC twice to visit another blogging friend, once with my entire family and once just me and hubs to enjoy their famed southern hospitality 😉
Hope you all have a safe, fun time!
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March 18, 2016 at 07:24
Yes I remember her. How cool that you got to do that I am really looking forward to meeting brother Anthony and his family. Thanks for the kind thoughts
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March 18, 2016 at 13:17
I’ve had the opportunity to meet at least 3 different bloggers. It’s a blast. Real community.
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March 18, 2016 at 07:36
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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March 18, 2016 at 07:39
Thanks brother Vincent
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March 18, 2016 at 10:33
You’re very welcome Brother Wally!
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March 18, 2016 at 09:02
Have a good time
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March 18, 2016 at 09:09
Thank you Robert
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March 18, 2016 at 09:34
Hey Wally—whereas we haven’t been to Gatlinburg in years, we rather prefer that “quieter side of the smokies” over in Townsend just a hop and a jump to Cades Cove—I just wanted to recommend a visit to the cove if ya’ll have never checked it out.
It’s a great place for picnicking—hiking, viewing animals in their natural setting, checking out a working mill and several historic old homesteads—about an hour from Gatlinburg on the parkway, shorter if you go a more direct route from Pigeon Forge—enjoy your time off and have a safe journey
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March 18, 2016 at 09:36
Julie thanks for that info I love old historical stuff thanks!
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March 18, 2016 at 11:04
We used to go to Gatlinburg when I was a kid. I bet it’s changed a lot since then. Have fun!
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March 18, 2016 at 11:48
I have not been in forty years I bet it has grown some lol. Thanks Julie!
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March 18, 2016 at 17:17
I hope you enjoy your trip and find it relaxing. J.
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March 18, 2016 at 17:52
Thanks for the kind thoughts my friend
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March 20, 2016 at 16:25
The Lord’s blessings to you on your trip. May His love and protective care fill your heart with thanksgiving and your mind with meditations upon His awesomeness. Amen!
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March 20, 2016 at 17:29
Thanks dear Eliza for the kind thoughts!
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March 21, 2016 at 16:50
The Smokey’s are beautiful. Enjoy!:0)
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March 21, 2016 at 19:36
They are! I haven’t been in several decades actually. Thanks Pam. How are you?
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March 21, 2016 at 20:06
It’s been a long time since I drove through there too. I’m trying to build my strength back and trying to find the right pace for that. My doctor is bailing on me and referring me to a specialist which may take quite a bit of time to get in. I’m choosing to believe this delay is happening because God has a better plan than I do. I’m thankful for a few warm days and making the best use I can of them. I have my weak moments but God sustains me. Thanks for asking, Wally. God bless you and yours.
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March 21, 2016 at 20:11
Of course I ask Pam. I think of you and pray for you daily. You are a real ambassador for our faith, and your presence around here means a lot to many people.
We were just talking tonight how blessed we are that we even get time off from our jobs and lives, and that we even get to do something like this. Not everybody does, and we need to be mindful of our blessings.
In your case? I would not be handling that nearly so well as you. I am sure God’s plan is better, but that doesn’t make it easy to swallow and I sure won’t pretend that I would or could. You are a fine example to the rest of us Pam.
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March 21, 2016 at 22:48
Well…he’s an old friend and I’m hurt because he’s not being straight forward with me but I’m letting it go because I know God is in charge and I know He just gave me the grace to not allow it to get to me and make me sicker. I have a very complex disease that my doctors may never see again except in me. Treating me calls for a lot of extra study and even though I’m not the suing kind, I’m sure the risk is in the forefront of their minds. They are human. I’ve heard good things about the specialist I’m being referred to so even with the delay, I’ll remain hopeful. For now, I’m still able to stay on the prednisone and have some relief. For that I’m thankful. I probably do better in writing than in real life. Believer me Wally, I have my down moments. Now, enjoy the Smokey’s!
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March 23, 2016 at 22:04
Honeymooned in Gatlinburg. Great spot!
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March 24, 2016 at 07:22
It’s been fun. I was here a long time ago, when I was about 13. So, it’s been 40 years. It’s changed just a bit!
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March 24, 2016 at 20:31
Yeah. Change happens. See it in the mirror.
🙂
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March 25, 2016 at 04:30
Ain’t that the truth
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